Yorkshire Water has recently finalized the construction of an innovative 835-metre sewer beneath Ilkley, aimed at mitigating the frequency and duration of discharges into the River Wharfe.
This newly constructed sewer, boasting a diameter of two meters, was developed over a span of 16 months.
With a capacity to accommodate up to 3.4 million litres of wastewater, the sewer spans from Wharfe View car park to Ashlands playing field, and further extends beneath the A65 to Ilkley wastewater treatment works.
This significant infrastructure project, amounting to £15 million, includes the installation of an interceptor sewer and detention tank. During periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall, the system effectively retains wastewater, subsequently channeling it to Ilkley wastewater treatment works once the weather event subsides, ensuring thorough treatment.
News of the project's competition follows Ilkley MP Robbie Moore's criticism of the water company in Parliament in 2022, with Mr Moore referencing correspondence from constituents, who highlighted that Yorkshire Water’s underground apparatus along Rivadale view had failed nine times within twelve months alone.
Anticipated benefits of this initiative include a projected 40 percent reduction in discharges from Rivadale storm overflow and a consequent 50 percent decrease in the volume of wastewater released during such events. These enhancements are poised to elevate the water quality of the River Wharfe, which notably houses the UK’s premier inland bathing water in Ilkley.
Local MP Robbie Moore said:
“As the first designated inland bathing water, the health of the river Wharfe is vitally important both environmentally and socially – and I am pleased to see Yorkshire Water invest in the long-term wellbeing of these waters.
“This government set strict new targets on water companies to reduce sewage discharges from storm overflows, driving the largest infrastructure programme in water company history of £60 billion over 25 years, and prioritised action at bathing waters, such as on the river Wharfe. Likewise, our wider Plan for Water continues to deliver more investment, stronger regulation, and tougher enforcement to improve our precious waterways across Yorkshire and the whole country.”
